Memorial Day usually means a day off, time to relax, barbecue, the beach and time with friends. But I hope on this Memorial Day you also take time to remember the significance of the day –honoring the people who have served our country and given their lives for our freedom. As we enjoying an extended weekend, keep in mind that many families will feel loss.

It is an especially sobering day for me. I lost a brother during the Viet Nam war. That loss forever changed our family. And this year, I won’t be with my 97-year-old father to place flowers on my brother’s grave. Living away from our family home has made this not possible to do anymore. My mom, who has gone to be with the Lord, and my dad always took us to the military part of cemetery to decorate graves. It is a sobering time to remember the great sacrifice so many families have made to secure our freedom.

And because I used to live in a military town, I am acutely aware of all the families that lost loved ones to recent wars. Their sacrifice for our freedom needs to be honored and remembered.

If you are looking for a way to show your respect, to honor those who have fallen, here are 10 suggestions to consider:

1) Explain the significance of the day to your children. Unless you tell your children the significance of the day, they will only see it as a day for picnics and fun.

2) Fly the American flag at half-mast.

3) Visit a war museum or memorial.

4) Place a red poppy on the grave of a veteran (a symbol of the blood of heroes that never dies).

5) Take a moment for a silent prayer and pray for those still in harm’s way.

6) Attend a parade or religious service honoring our fallen soldiers.

7) Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance (pause at 3:00p.m. your time zone).

10) Ask your school to be involved in the Adopt a Grave program –the school takes care of a grave of a fallen soldier by keeping it clean and placing flowers on it.

There aren’t enough words to express the gratitude we feel to those who bravely fought for our freedom. Thank you to all the soldiers and the families who support our freedom. Your sacrifice is deeply appreciated.

Linda Mintle

It is rare that a trained academic who speaks passionately to the heart of people providing real answers to real life problems and in a relatable style. Dr. Linda’s fun personality comes through whether she’s helping her audiences prevent a divorce or make peace with their thighs!

Dr. Linda Mintle is a national expert on the psychology of food, weight and body image and relationships. With years of clinical experience in weight loss and eating disorders, she is uniquely qualified to bring sensibility and real help to anyone struggling with weight, eating and body image. Her latest book, Press Pause Before You Eat explores how to say goodbye to mindless eating and hello to the joy of eating.

Dr. Linda is a best selling author, winner of the Mom’s Choice Award, a national news consultant and blogger and hosts her own website. Her academic appointment at Eastern Virginia Medical School keeps her abreast of current research in her areas of expertise. Her media experience includes seven years as the resident expert for ABC Family’s Living the Life television show and regular appearances on network television and radio. Her current assignment as a national news consultant allows her to comment on mental health issues in the news. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed clinical social worker, she brings 25 years of clinical experience to every day living.

It is often said that being with Dr. Linda is like having coffee with a friend. She makes the complicated issues of relationships and mental health easy to understand and applicable to every day living. The ease she has with people, coupled with her clinical training and experience makes her a sought after speaker on college campuses, at conferences and special events. Whether she is doing a TV skit with Tim Conway or discussing teen violence with Queen Latifa, Dr. Linda will entertain, educate and help you with Real Life. Real Answers.